Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

Caramel Pecan Cake Recipe

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A decadent dessert with layers of moist cake, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar  
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Caramel:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecan halves, toasted

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.  
  4. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.  
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.  

Make the Caramel:

  1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a golden brown color.
  2. Add Cream and Vanilla: Carefully add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue to cook and stir until the caramel is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Cool and Add Pecans: Let the caramel cool slightly, then stir in the toasted pecans.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Spread Caramel: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the caramel over the top.
  2. Serve: Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Tips:

  • For extra crunch, sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top of the caramel.
  • To make a caramel frosting, combine the caramel with cream cheese frosting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Caramel Pecan Cake!

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